Digital Commons Network^™

Examining The Effects Of Interaction Fidelity On Task Performance And Learning In Virtual Reality, Jeffrey Wayne Bertrand

All Dissertations

Virtual reality training applications are becoming more widespread as hardware costs for head-mounted displays (HMDs) and tracking technology decrease, enabling a wide variety of interaction techniques beyond the mouse and keyboard. Advancements in VR hardware yield higher levels of interaction fidelity or the objective degree of exactness with which real-world interactions can be reproduced in an interactive system. Despite the growing use of virtual reality simulations for training, few prior investigations have examined the constituent components of fidelity and how they affect performance and learning in the context of a real-world skills training applications. With tracking and HMD technology reaching …

Engaging Educational Professionals Towards Training The Next Generation Within The Food, Agricultural, And Natural Resources Career Areas, Tyson Sorensen

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

A Word From The Writing Center (December 2016), Jennifer Wilson, Ms, Els

A Word From the Writing Team (Newsletter)

This issue includes:

• Writing tip
• Books on writing
• Writing Café

Front Matter

The Foundation Review

No abstract provided.

Aiming High: Foundation Support For State Advocates Brings Universal Children’S Health Coverage Within Reach, Sheila Dunleavy Hoag, Debra J. Lipson, Victoria Peebles

The Foundation Review

To help close the children’s health insurance coverage gap in the United States, in 2011 the Atlantic Philanthropies created the Kids- Well Campaign. KidsWell’s theory of change posits that if advocates could leverage new funding and coverage opportunities created by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, they could expand the number of children with health insurance coverage.

This article presents the major results of the KidsWell evaluation, which found substantial progress in achieving KidsWell interim policy changes and coverage outcomes. But advocates still have a full agenda, which means grantees and funders need to redouble efforts to educate the …

Phasor Based Numerical Mho Distance Relay: Model Development, Qais M., Ameer A. Mohammed

Iraqi Journal of Computers, Communications, Control and Systems Engineering

The advancement in science and engineering led to the development of relays, started by electromechanical, and followed by solid-state, and lately digital and numerical relays. Numerical relays are the result of the application of microprocessor technology in the relay industry. This paper describes an approach for detailed modeling of a numerical distance relay using MATLAB/SIMULINK. The distance relaying is for use in a modeled EHV transmission system. A section of 400 kV, 350 km length transmission lines is chosen for the case study. The numerical relay is modeled having Mho characteristics suitable for three-zone distance relaying. A set of tests …

Supporting Zooming-In Process For Image Compression Based On High-Order Weighted 3d Polynomials Fitting, Riyadh Jabbar

Iraqi Journal of Computers, Communications, Control and Systems Engineering

This paper presents a proposed technique to compress images using weighted 3D polynomials fitting technique that fits all pixels as possible in the image. This technique uses high-order weighted 3D polynomials to obtain high quality compressed images especially in the medical images. These types of images seek for high details with an acceptable compression ratio. This procedure of weighted 3D polynomials fitting ensures to preserve the quality of image during the decompression and zooming-in process. After applying scalar quantization and Huffman encoding to the weighted polynomials coefficients for each block of image; mean square error (MSE), peak signal to noise …

Smart Traffic Light Controller Based On Microcontroller, Mohammed Ehsan

Iraqi Journal of Computers, Communications, Control and Systems Engineering

The increase of population produces an increase of the number of automobiles on the road, which generates heavy traffic in the streets and that causes many problems for the Citizens and traffic policemen an additional two emergency cases therefore it’s important with development technology of embedded systems to solve this problem. In this paper new traffic light controller was built to optimization using the Arduino UNO microcontroller board. The system tries to reduce traffic jams, caused by traffic lights, as possible. The system is based on microcontroller, which represent the brain of the system. The system contains ultrasonic sensors on …

Design And Simulation Of Type Two Fuzzy Logic Based Pd Controller For Variable Speed Rotation Active Magnetic Bearing System Subject To Random Disturbance, Mina Qays

Iraqi Journal of Computers, Communications, Control and Systems Engineering

In this paper the design of type-2 fuzzy logic based PD controller for an active magnetic bearing system (AMB) is presented. Such a system is known to be inherently unstable. The logic techniques of the proposed method continuously observes the error signal and it's change in order to modify the parameters of a PD controller. An improved tracking performance has been achieved. Robustness against disturbance effects with various rotation speeds has also been noticed. Comparison with a regular fuzzy like PD controller shows a noticeable improvement in the tracking performance of the system, especially in the presence of disturbances. In …

Improved Trajectory Tracking Control For A Three Axis Scara Robot Using Fuzzy Logic, Safanah M., Shaymaa M. Mahdi

Iraqi Journal of Computers, Communications, Control and Systems Engineering

This paper presents a fuzzy based adaptive controller for a three-axis SCARA robot (Selective Compliance Articulated Robot Arm) in the presence of non- linearities, uncertainties and external perturbations. The nonlinear system is treated as a partially known system. The known dynamic is used to design a nominal feedback controller based on the well-known feedback linearization method and Proportional Derivative (PD) controller. A fuzzy Proportional Integral (fuzzy-PI) based adaptive tracking controller is applied to further improves the control action. Compensation for the effects of the system uncertainties have been achieved and noticeable improvement of the tracking performance has been obtained. The …

Executive Summaries

The Foundation Review

No abstract provided.

Editorial, Teresa R. Behrens

The Foundation Review

No abstract provided.

Through The Looking Glass: Foundation Evaluation And Learning And The Quest For Strategic Learning, Suzanne Kennedy Leahy, Sandra Wegmann, Lexi Nolen

The Foundation Review

Strategic learning, a critical if relatively new lens for philanthropy, is neither simple nor efficient to institutionalize or practice yet — foundations are still figuring out how to do it well. In 2015, the Episcopal Health Foundation launched a project to distill lessons about how leading foundations configure evaluation and learning, and how they allocate related responsibilities in support of strategic learning.

This article addresses different models that foundations use to establish and staff evaluation and learning functions, what other organizational considerations they should take into account in order to prioritize strategic-learning work, and what tools and approaches can be …

Full Issue

The Foundation Review

No abstract provided.

Lessons About Evaluating Health-Coverage Advocacy Across Multiple Campaigns And Foundations, Leslie Foster, Mary Harrington, Sheila Hoag, Debra Lipson

The Foundation Review

This article draws on a dozen years’ experience in evaluating major consumerhealth advocacy initiatives to build the knowledge base about advocacy evaluation. The authors explain how their evaluations were strengthened by articulating a detailed theory of change and emphasizing assessment of interim outcomes from many perspectives and methods.

Even with comprehensive data and integrated analysis, however, some ambiguity in the results is inevitable; there is no completely objective way to determine the effectiveness of an advocacy initiative. Moreover, sometimes solid or even exceptional advocacy efforts do not lead to desired policy outcomes. Advocacy initiatives that fail initially may be groundwork …

Designing Technical-Assistance Programs: Considerations For Funders And Lessons Learned, Jennifer Lyons, Sheila Dunleavy Hoag, Cara Orfield, Sonya Streeter

The Foundation Review

As foundations continue to provide grantees with technical assistance in addition to financial support, it is important to understand what works well, for whom, and in what circumstances. This reflective practice article aims to help funders who have identified a problem amenable to technical assistance to develop a strong program by providing support to a group of organizations addressing similar problems or by providing customized individual support.

Drawing on insights from evaluations of two technical-assistance programs, this article recommends five key issues for funders to consider when offering such a program: whose priorities will shape the agenda, how group composition …

Book Review: American Generosity: Who Gives And Why By Patricia Snell Herzog & Heather E. Price, Jason Franklin

The Foundation Review

No abstract provided.

Back Matter

The Foundation Review

No abstract provided.

Web-Based Existential Graph Editor Tool, Spencer Bowen, Matthew Daigle, Irene Kasian, Telly Polychroniades, Jason Thomas

Perpetua: The Journal of Undergraduate Research at UAH

Formal logic is a fundamental topic of computer science. This paper introduces readers to the basic logic operators of predicate logic and how they can be applied to a diagram-based notation for logic called existential graphs. Inference rules for sound and complete existential graph transformation are presented with brief examples of their applica-tion. The authors introduce a new web-based Existen-tial Graph Editor Tool built to implement existential graphs. A brief tour of the tool’s graphical user inter-face and key features is provided. The efficacy of the formal logic tool is demonstrated by proving an ex-ample theorem.

Inflationary Gravitational Waves And B-Mode Polarization Of The Cosmic Microwave Background, Kylie Todd Heflin

Perpetua: The Journal of Undergraduate Research at UAH

This paper is an attempt to introduce the concept of gravitational waves, interpret the results of BICEP2 and Planck, analyze the methods employed by both missions, and evaluate the implications of the existence of inflationary gravitational waves (IGWs). BICEP2/Keck Array are experiments aimed at meas-uring the polarization of the cosmic microwave back-ground (CMB), as well as providing speculation re-garding the origin of B-Mode polarization of the CMB. In June 2014, BICEP2 reported the detection of such polarization but acknowledged uncertainty regarding its origin due to the possibility of gravita-tional lensing caused by cosmic dust. BICEP2’s de-tection used a CMB polarimeter …

Antonio's Lament: "Mightily Abused" In Twelfth Night, Quintin Walton

Perpetua: The Journal of Undergraduate Research at UAH

The play Twelfth Night depicts the fluid nature of sexuality, although it ends with the standard trope undergirding romantic comedy: inevitable het-erosexual unions. Additionally, Twelfth Night upsets stereotypical constructions of masculinity and sexual desire by provocatively introducing Antonio (a heroic sea captain) who saves Sebastian (a beautiful young man) from watery destruction; more-over, they form a homoerotic domestic partnership that lasts three blissful months—a substantial time-line in Shakespearean comedy. The ongoing critical conversations on this topic are limited to a discussion of bisexuality (Pequigney), a consideration of the im-plications of homoerotic partnership (Thomas), and an observation of the inherent cruelty …

Reading Historical Photographs, Emily Pate

Perpetua: The Journal of Undergraduate Research at UAH

For the past two years Emily Pate re-searched early historical photographic processes and how they are interpreted to gain historical knowledge of the past. The challenges of this project included understanding historic photographic processes that are not commonly used in today’s society, and how those photographs can provide historical insight. In the spring of 2013, Pate began an ongoing research project to explore photographic materials and their history through found negatives and undeveloped film. She then began to plan the process of documen-tation, research, and archiving the photographs, as well as the photographic techniques used. The images she works with …

Taking Alabama: Andrew Jackson, National Secutiry, And Alabama, 1812-1836, Hayden Herfurth

Perpetua: The Journal of Undergraduate Research at UAH

This paper seeks to examine Andrew Jackson’s actions during his time as a general in the Tennessee state militia and his tenure as president of the United States, focusing heavily on events that impacted Alabama and the national security of the United States. Because Alabama was once the fron-tier of the United States, securing it and ousting threats was a crucial factor in the development of the US as a nation, and the steps Jackson took to se-cure this southern frontier as general and statesman were integral in shaping the physical and demo-graphic structure of the United States. To effectively …

Perpetua, Volume 1, Issue 1, Fall 2016

Perpetua: The Journal of Undergraduate Research at UAH

No abstract provided.

Of Kings And Kin : Bayit And The Dynastic Family Of David, Jeremy Eng Chong Chew

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Pesticide Resistance In Plutella Xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) Populations From Togo And Benin, L. K. Agboyi, G. K. Ketoh, T. Martin, I. A. Glitho, M. Tamò

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) is the major insect pest of cabbage crops in Togo and Benin. For control, farmers very often resort to spraying chemical insecticides at high dosages with frequent applications. Bioassays were carried out on three populations of P. xylostella, two from Togo (Kara and Dapaong) and one from Benin (Cotonou), to assess their level of susceptibility to currently used insecticides. A reference strain of P. xylostella from Matuu in Kenya was used as a control. In the laboratory, three insecticide representatives of different chemical families (deltamethrin, chlorpyrifos ethyl and spinosad) were assayed against third instar …

Managing Storage Pests Of Maize: Farmers' Knowledge, Perceptions And Practices In Western Kenya, Charles A.O. Midega, Alice W. Murage, Jimmy O. Pittchar, Zeyaur R. Khan

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Insect pests are a key constraint to effective utilization of cereal crops in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with damage caused by these pests in the stores of particular concern. Although a number of approaches have been advanced for control of storage pests of maize, uptake remains a challenge, with effectiveness of some approaches being questionable. We conducted a survey in western Kenya among 330 respondents using face to face interviews and focus group discussions to evaluate farmers' practices, knowledge and perceptions of storage pests of maize, and their current practices in managing such pests as a basis for development of efficient …

Yale Scientific Magazine: Volume 90, Number 1

Yale Scientific Magazine

No abstract provided.

Agricultural Adaptation To Drought In The Sri Lankan Dry Zone, Emily Burchfield, Jonathan Gilligan

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

Droughts affect more people than any other natural disaster. Drought severity is not merely a function of precipitation; it emerges from a web of interrelations between human and natural systems. The impacts of drought are equally complex, shifting across temporal scales, economic sectors, and regions. Even in regions with similar hydroclimatic characteristics, there is tremendous variation in the effects of drought. This study combines satellite imagery, geospatial data, and qualitative data to identify the multi-scalar factors that drive variations in agricultural responses to drought. We analyzed eleven years of remotely sensed imagery to identify agricultural areas in which cultivation occurred …

Why Didn’T I Know? Perspectives From Adult Children Of Elderly Parents With Dementia, Debbie Conner, Julie Postma, Catherine Van Son

All Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Purpose: Approximately 27 million adults are living with undiagnosed dementia worldwide. The purpose of this study was to learn about the experiences of adult children of elderly parents who were ultimately diagnosed with dementia.

Data sources: A descriptive qualitative design was used for identifying if there were prodromal signs or symptoms that preceded the more commonly known warning signs of dementia. Twelve, 60-min interviews were conducted over the telephone.

Conclusions: The overarching theme was: “Why didn't I know?” Subthemes were “We ignored it because we didn't want it to be,” “We thought it was grief,” and “They wouldn't diagnose dementia.” …